Latest news with #Nini
The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian multi-disciplinary artist on why keeping the arts alive matters
Mention heritage textiles, and one might wonder, 'What can I actually do with them?' It's a question that could reflect curiosity and a desire to understand and appreciate its place or purpose in today's world. For Nini Marini Ramlan, who has spent years immersed in the textile world, it all starts with the stories behind the materials. 'They're just so amazing,' says the multi-disciplinary artist, whose journey began with painting and later expanded to textile crafts, print and pattern design, and new technologies like artificial intelligence. It's the rich history, long-standing traditions, and expert craftsmanship, all coming together, that make these age-old textiles special and valuable. There are so many stories woven into our heritage, she says. Take the batik sarong, for example. 'The structural design composition of the sarong is like the human body and therefore there is a natural flow to how you view the design of a sarong, even in how you wear it, so that it shows the best of its design. These elements include the kepala kain (head panel), pengapit kain (flanking border), badan kain (body of cloth), and tepi kain (edge border). Telepuk, a gilded textile predating batik, remains known to few and risks fading from memory. — Photo: Yayasan Hasanah 'And did you know that the way you wore your sarong once communicated your relationship status? For example, wearing the kepala kain at the front was a subtle way of saying you were single. Back then, that's how people expressed things. We didn't have emojis or social media to show who we were interested in or where we stood'. In those days, Nini adds, women wore their sarongs in specific ways to say, 'I'm married', 'I'm widowed', or 'I'm single', much like how in Hawaii, the position of a flower behind the ear says whether someone's taken or not. 'We were doing that, too, but with our sarongs. Isn't that a beautiful part of our story to remember?' Nini notes that globally the world is going into slow fashion mode, and artisanal craftmanship is a big topic these days. 'So why are we not looking at our crafts and crafts people with such high regard? This is a big personal question for me and I feel like the more we put light to it the more people will understand the need for artisans,' she emphasises. In her new role as the head of Arts and Public Spaces at Yayasan Hasanah, a foundation of Khazanah Nasional, Nini is all geared up to lead initiatives that keep artistic traditions alive. 'My task is to advocate for the preservation of two things: heritage textiles, and the broader support of arts and cultural heritage in general, to ensure they are preserved, conserved, and that the arts continue to thrive in our society and our country,' she explains. Aptly named hasanah, which means 'do good' in Arabic, the foundation's work spans five key pillars namely Education, Community Development, Environment, Arts and Public Spaces, and Knowledge. Through these pillars, it supports focused, well-thought initiatives that can spark meaningful change. 'Everything is about doing good. So, the vibrations here are very different, everyone shares the intention to give back.' Nini says that in all the five pillars, knowledge is the foundation that holds everything together. Crafting kelingkan, an intricate traditional embroidery unique to the east coast, demands deft skill and meticulous precision. — Photo: Yayasan Hasanah 'We believe that progress stems from being informed. That's why we operate with the principle that everyone needs to be knowledgeable and that knowledge is at the root of our collective advancement.' Each pillar has its own focus areas. 'Under the Arts and Public Spaces pillar, our main focus is on the conservation of heritage textiles inspired by a baseline textile study that was done a few years ago. 'From the study, we identified batik, songket, kelingkan, keringkam, and telepuk to focus on. These stood out not because others were less important, but because they called for more attention.' Telepuk, Nini says, is a heritage fabric art with Malay roots that predates batik. 'It involves applying gold leaf motifs to kain tenun (handwoven textile) that has undergone the gerus (traditional calendering) process. Once reserved for royalty, telepuk is now largely forgotten and at risk of vanishing.' Thanks to the Hasanah Special Grant, a book on telepuk titled Telepuk – Forgotten Flowers Of Gold , was published last year by authors Intan Jailani, Khairulanwar Rahmat and the late adiguru (master artisan), Norhaiza Noordin. The two-year project also included free workshops, apprenticeship programmes, and awareness campaigns, which are all key to keeping this tradition alive. Yayasan Hasanah helps in its dedication towards cultural preservation and artistic innovation through structured funding, which includes capacity building for the grantees (also known as 'partners') as they execute their projects. 'That's the foundation's entire modality, we do and we give.' Within the pillar that Nini oversees, the focus includes safeguarding textile heritage and positioning it as a viable contributor to the creative economy. 'We're capacity-building artisans and others within the industry to apply for grants and execute projects that give back to the community or solve specific problems,' she explains. Preservation is broad in scope, Nini notes, from raising awareness about forgotten craft traditions to producing books and training a new generation of artisans. Funding for these efforts comes from the Hasanah Special Grant and the Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) grant, both of which are supported by the Ministry of Finance and target projects aligned with the Arts and Public Spaces pillar's focus areas. Grant amounts vary by project duration, nature and capacity. Three-year projects can receive up to RM2.5mil; pilot and shorter projects are eligible for lesser amounts and are subject to Hasanah grant governance. 'Over the years we have funded a number of interesting textiles-based projects. Two stand out for their impact namely the Brooke Museums (in Sarawak) project, and the telepuk book project.' The Brooke Museums project called Aspire addresses the dual challenges of preserving the art of keringkam (Sarawak's gold or silver embroidered textile) and supporting at-risk youths. 'By training young people in this art form, the initiative provides them with new skills and mental health support, while actively safeguarding the keringkam's future.' Kelingkan, a traditional embroidery unique to the east coast region, with intricate patterns often stitched with metallic threads on fabric, is also at risk, with only one active adiguru remaining. While efforts in the preservation of keringkam continues to develop in Sarawak, in the east coast, Yayasan Hasanah is also focused on preserving kelingkan, observing a need to create awareness for it and foster interest among the next generations. 'The current adiguru is Nik Marhamah Nik Megat or affectionately known as Kak Nik. The 50-year-old is the grandniece of adiguru, Nik Rahimah Nik Idris, who is 82 years old. Kak Nik began learning the craft while helping her grandaunt.' Yayasan Hasanah also supports the broader arts ecosystem through the ArtsFAS grant, launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic 'There was a real need at the time... livelihoods were in crisis, it was a bit of a Mayday,' says Nini, adding that the grant supports a range of disciplines including visual arts, performing arts, oral traditions, cultural heritage, and textiles. Unlike the longer-term Hasanah Special Grant, ArtsFAS is a six-month grant meant to be completed within the calendar year. It encourages artists to submit ideas for exhibitions, performances, workshops, digital content or other creative expressions, offering up to RM250,000 for each eligible applicant. Nini says these grants are designed for artists with the community in mind, whether they're advocating for change or offering support. 'At its core, this is about doing good for the nation. Advancing Malaysia, one person at a time, across all layers of society. With these grants, we hope to nurture a spirit of collective change. That's the vision we're working towards.'
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
'How can we cope?': Doctors and nurses speak out on system at breaking point
KUALA LUMPUR: Severe staff shortage caused by the migration of healthcare workers and burnout among existing staff have pushed nurses to the brink of despair and helplessness, said medical frontliners. A staff nurse who only wanted to be known as Nini, 42, said she started her nursing career at a hospital in Johor in 2005 and was transferred to Kuala Lumpur in 2010. She said the work culture in Kuala Lumpur was different and she hardly had any time for breaks. She is now a senior and is on duty at wards where she has to take care of eight to 12 patients at a time. "Although the World Health Organisation recommends one nurse for every four patients in a general ward, we are doing double the amount and more sometimes when a nurse calls in sick." She said staffing levels had dropped steadily in her ward over the past five years. "This is not new. But these past years, the situation has worsened as more colleagues leave for greener pastures in." Nini now manages her shift with fewer nurses, saying it has caused burnout among her colleagues, especially if there are demanding superiors. "An ex-colleague joined a hospital in Dubai, where she works eight-hour shifts, earns RM12,000 monthly and gets free housing. Two more moved to Singapore and another is in Perth now. They were senior staff. Losing them is a big blow. We're trying to hold the fort, but we are not sure how long we can do it. Patients sometimes blame us when they do not get the care they deserve, but that is not because we don't care. It's because we just physically cannot keep up." In a hospital in Kota Kinabalu, an emergency medical officer who only wanted to be known as Dr Mohamad, 42, said the emergency department was running at almost 200 per cent capacity on some days with fewer than 10 doctors on duty. "We should have at least five medical officers per shift. Some nights, we're down to just three. Imagine one stroke victim, one asthma patient and one road traffic victim. How can we manage? You can't be everywhere. We used to spend 10 to 15 minutes with each patient. Now, it's sometimes three minutes, just enough time to prescribe and move on. We're not proud of it, but this is the reality. I've had three of my closest colleagues leave in the last 12 months. Two to Australia and one to a telehealth firm in the United Kingdom that pays more than double of what he used to earn here. They left because their applications to be relocated to the peninsula were rejected several times." He said doctors wanted to remain in Malaysia, but the Health Ministry must improve the perks, salary and incentives. According to statistics from the Malaysian Medical Association, more than 4,000 healthcare workers, including more than 1,500 nurses and 900 doctors, migrated or entered private practice between 2021 and 2024. The Health Ministry has acknowledged a nationwide shortage of 20,000 nurses and 8,000 doctors, including specialists. And this gap is expected to widen as more resign or retire. A specialist from Klang, Dr Menon, 48, said her unit delivered up to 20 babies a day with increasingly junior and overstretched staff on some days. "We need at least six medical officers per 24-hour cycle to handle these cases safely. Some days, we barely have three medical officers. I'm in the operating theatre for hours, then straight to clinic or ward rounds with no break. One of my best registrars left for Dubai. She told me, 'In one shift, I deliver five babies and get to eat lunch. Here, I would have to deliver 10 babies before I could even go to the toilet'." Dr Menon said one of her most dependable nurses resigned after a decade of service recently. "She went to Singapore. She sent me a voice note last month and said, 'Cikgu, I finally feel like a normal human again'. It broke my heart." She said the workload was not only overwhelming, it was affecting quality of care for patients as well as staff morale. "The system is bleeding and we're using our hands to plug the holes." Asked why she chose to stay despite getting offers abroad, she said her elderly parents and in-laws kept her here. "I'm more concerned about the new generation as it is getting harder to convince the younger ones to stay. They don't see a future here. And without a strong pipeline, we're heading towards collapse." Dr Menon believed that better pay, structured career paths and more specialist training slots could slow down the collapse.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian movie Ejen Ali 2 is now raising the bar for animation movies in South-East Asia; rakes in more than RM52mil after just three weeks
After its stupendous success of its TV series and also first movie, 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria (EATM2)' is dominating the local films charts once again. And it has a whopping RM52 million to show for its success. And not only it is ruling the roost in Malaysia, it is also tops in Brunei and also having a good run in Singapore and will debut in Indonesia on June 27. The film may also make its way to other South-East Asian countries and also has found dates to be shown in Australia and Canada. The sequel to the popular franchise premiered three weeks ago, and surpassed the numbers milestone last week. The surge in earnings highlights increasing audience confidence in homegrown animation and strengthens the industry's prospects for regional and international expansion. Nini Yusof, Chief Executive Officer, Media Prima Television Network and Primeworks Studios said, 'This success truly shows that local animation can create a big impact when it receives strong support from the audience. "More than just box office collections, EATM2's achievements prove confidence in the quality of Malaysian-made content and give us new impetus to continue investing in the local animation industry and expand Ejen Ali's wings internationally with selected strategic partners.' "The opening of this new screening is an important step in bringing Malaysian animation to the regional stage, and is hoped to open up new business opportunities in the licensing and merchandising sector through the sale of Ejen Ali branded products such as clothing, school supplies, games and so on. "The film's performance demonstrates the growing recognition and affection for local animation among audiences, paving the way for Malaysian animation to expand and reach new heights," added Nini. Since its premiere in on May 22, the movie has garnered an overwhelming response from a broad spectrum of viewers, including families, teenagers, and dedicated fans of the franchise. In recent tv interview, audiences have consistently lauded its world-class technical production quality, moving storyline, and exhilarating cinematic experience, prompting many to watch it multiple times. According to film director Usamah Zaid Yasin, this remarkable success is a testament to the extraordinary support from fans and their faith in local productions. "I'm very grateful that this movie has received such an incredible response from audiences. I'm also deeply thankful to everyone at Primeworks Studios and WAU Animation who have worked tirelessly to promote this film," he said. For the record, it has been a fantastic outing for Primework Studios this year. This is already the local outfit's second big outing this year after 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga'. "Blood Brothers: Bara Naga" is an action movie produced by Skop Productions in collaboration with Primeworks Studios. The film premiered in cinemas across the country on April 10, 2025. It stars Sharnaaz Ahmad, Syafiq Kyle, Shukri Yahaya, and Wan Hanafi Su, among others. The movie's trailer, which showcases intense action sequences and a drama about brotherhood, has garnered significant attention on social media. The film also features the direction of Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra. It has already collected close to RM70 million in ticket sales, and by far the leader in the box-office charts this year, ensuring a double victory for Primeworks Studio.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Star
‘Reverse parenting' allows parents to relax while children handle housework after school
Young parents in China are relaxing at home while their children take care of the housework after school, as the trend of 'reverse parenting' goes viral. Yuanyuan, a primary school student from northeastern China's Liaoning province, has attracted nearly one million followers on mainland social media by documenting his daily life with a mini camera clipped to his clothes. Two to three times a week, Yuanyuan gets up at 5am to walk his neighbours' dogs for five yuan (70 US cents) each. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. After school, he calls his mother to ask what she wants for dinner, then shops for fresh groceries, bargaining with vendors and paying in cash. At home, Yuanyuan cooks meals like braised prawns and pork ribs, usually serving two meat dishes and a vegetable. Once dinner is ready, he calls his mother, who is often watching TV, to come to eat. His mum says she feels reassured knowing he can juggle school and housework on his own. She often praises his cooking, which he says he learned from online videos. Yuanyuan also helps with his mum's make-up and selects her outfits, complimenting her and cheering her up when she is feeling low. Netizens see Yuanyuan as a prime example of 'reverse parenting,' a growing trend in which children take the lead as their parents put their feet up. Many parents also imitate their children's laid-back habits, spending time on their mobile phones and watching TV while leaving daily responsibilities to the kids. In February, a video of a four-year-old boy scolding his parents for being lazy went viral, earning nearly 1.4 million likes. In the clip, the parents are seen lying in bed all afternoon as the boy stands at the door, angrily pointing out a dusty toilet lid and messy bookshelf. 'I had to clean everything and even sweep the floor,' he says, adding: 'You two are not doing anything. I cannot take it any more!' The mother responds that they rely on him because he is so capable, to which the boy snaps back: 'Might as well work me to death.' One netizen said: 'In this family, the kid is the responsible parent, and the parents are the ones acting like children.' Another mother, known online as Nini, said that her seven-year-old daughter handles all their family travel plans, from booking flights to organising daily itineraries. Nini said it all started after a trip to Hong Kong last year, when she mixed up the return flight time and the family ended up stranded at the airport overnight. 'Since then, my daughter does not trust adults with travel plans,' she said, adding that her daughter now uses social media platforms to research destinations herself. Experts say so-called reverse parenting challenges parental authority and helps kids build independence. 'Parents showing a bit of 'weakness' can inspire kids to take more responsibility and be more proactive,' said Zhang Jianyong, a child social worker from Hubei province, central China. The new parenting style has attracted much attention on mainland social media, with related topics attracting more than 230 million views. One online observer said: 'I used to get frustrated with how slowly my son got ready. One day, I copied his pace and took an hour to dress. He could not take it and rushed me. He has never been slow again.' More from South China Morning Post: For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2025.
Buzz Feed
09-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
34 Things That'll Make Future You Feel Incredibly Proud Of Past You For Purchasing
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Buy packing cubes now, pat yourself on the back later. 1. A no-scrub Wet & Forget weekly shower cleaner that's every lazy cleaner's biggest dream come true: there's literally zero scrubbing required. And it'll stop soap scum and residue from forming before they have a chance to take over your entire tub. Just spray, walk away, and rinse 8-12 hours later — your future self will be so grateful. There's no bleach or ammonia, so no need to worry about any scent-induced headaches. Promising review:"I saw this product on TikTok and decided to try it out for myself. The name doesn't lie — spray it on, shut the bathroom door, and in a few hours, the shower is 100 times cleaner. Usually I'll let it sit overnight, and by morning, the visible grime on the shower is gone, include soap scum. I'll usually let the shower water rinse the residue out, and then will take a bucket just to get everything off the shower walls. It is a bit slick if you try to get in the shower without rinsing the residue, but otherwise, it's a worthy cleaning staple in my house." — Tara D. Get it from Amazon for $19.39+ (available in two scents and two sizes). 2. A clever neck reading light — it lasts for up to 80 hours on a single charge 😮. It also has six brightness settings, so you can crank it up when you're reading outside under the stars or turn it down when you're getting one last chapter in before bed. Promising review:"I don't have the best lighting in this house or the best eyes, and that makes for a hard time cross-stitching. These are absolutely wonderful! I can see my patterns and do my cross-stitching which is so great during this quarantine. Be sure to charge every night after use, though. And they are so lightweight I forget I'm wearing them! Highly recommended!" — Nini Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in seven colors). 3. A digital luggage scale to prevent any overweight luggage fees from appearing in your future. This clips onto your luggage handle — just attach and lift up to see how much your suitcase, backpack, or any other bag weighs. It can weigh items up to 110 pounds, but hopefully, your luggage weighs way less than that. You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. Promising review:"We used this on a six-flight trip across Europe and it made it easy to know that we repacked our bags according to the various weight limits. Some bags had a 10-kg limit, and some had a 50-lb limi,t so it was convenient to switch back and forth between units (even though dividing by 2.2 isn't exactly rocket science)." — Robert Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four colors and a two-pack). 4. A small desktop vacuum that's truly the definition of tiny but mighty. It has a rechargeable battery, so you can carry it around to clean up any Cheeto dust and Oreo crumbs that end up on your desks, tables, or countertops. Seriously, every surface in your home is about to be dust-free. Promising review:"Holy geez, where was this all my life? This is the perfect crumb catcher/sweeper for your table. Have little ones that leave toast crumbs everywhere? Or a husband that drops little bits of stuff? This will vacuum it all up, and voila, clean table! It's a nice compact size and can pick up sizable crumbs easily." — Kestrel Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in two colors and in two charging styles). 5. A set of packing cubes — they'll help you keep all your clothes separated and organized and save you some space in your crowded carry-on! All my fellow over-packers, this is for us. Plus, you can use them to organize your drawers when you're not traveling. Each set comes with a small, medium, large, and extra-large cube, a shoe bag, and a laundry bag. Promising review:"I have been on the fence about buying packing cubes for two years! I wasn't sure if they would really make a difference in my packing or not. However, I am so glad I decided to get some! I have looked at many brands, but I am happy I decided on this one! These are made from a great material and are super cute! This is one of the few brands that include both a shoe bag and a dirty linen bag! ... I was actually able to close my luggage with ease for the first time. These keep your clothes clean and organized. It makes packing and unpacking a breeze." — Cindy U. Get a set of six from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in 10 colors). 6. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream, because your décolletage also deserves some special skincare attention. It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while glycerin and aloe add some extra hydration. Reviewers say it takes a few applications to see results — so start using it now, then marvel at your results later! Promising review: "My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It's not only soothing, but it also feels like it's really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It's become a must-have in my skincare routine." — JAcosta Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (also available in a two-pack). 7. FryAway Waste Cooking Oil Solidifier Powder — it turns hot grease and oil into a solid substance you can easily scrape away from the pan and into the trash. No more wondering what on earth you're going to do with that brown sludge that's left behind 😬. Promising review:" I used to HATE cooking with oil because I never knew what to do with it when I was finished. Not anymore! This stuff works amazingly well, is easy to use, and allows me to trash oil without a big mess! It just takes a little scoop and a short amount of time for it to set into a gel, and then it all scoops out of the pan so easily! I'm just sad I didn't find this product sooner!" — TheBjamin FryAway is a woman-owned and Latine-owned small business started by Laura Lady, who loves both cooking and being kind to the planet. They donate 1% of revenue to nonprofits focused on water conservation. Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two styles). 8. A heat-resistant masher that'll chop ground meat into tinier pieces, therefore greatly reducing your cooking time in the process. It's also perfect for crushing tomatoes, potatoes, and any other 'atoes that need mincing. Promising review: "I wish I would have bought this so much sooner! I feel like every cook needs this in their kitchen. This is so helpful, especially when trying to break up other meats than beef — nothing breaks down the same way beef does and tends to stay in big chunks. This handles everything like a dream! Excellent purchase! Very well made — not flimsy at all. Super high quality!" — TAV Get it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in three colors and in packs of two). 9. A next-level toothbrush your dentist will be so ridiculously proud of you for using. It has the standard bristles you'd expect from any toothbrush, but the game-changer is the extra-long bristles that are 10x thinner — meaning they can reach in between teeth and under the gum line to sweep away food and residue. Promising review: "This was another one of my TikTok purchases! I was skeptical, but my kids hate flossing their teeth, so I thought this might help in between making them floss. They work amazingly! My kids said they could see and feel a difference on the first use and I agree! They are definitely worth a try! I would suggest not pushing too hard; those tiny bristles really get in there, and if you push too hard, you might be sore like I was. It felt like after going to a dental cleaning." — Amy N. Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99. 10. A sleek automatic electric wine bottle opener because your day was stressful enough — you don't need a clunky corkscrew ruining your night! All you have to do is press it down over the top of the bottle, and there's even a built-in foil cutter so you won't ruin your nails in the process. Oh, and did I mention it's rechargeable and totally wireless?? Amazon, Promising review: "This wine opener is VERY easy to use and works like a champ each and every time. The foil cutter takes a bit of getting used to where the technique is to pull the blades back toward you as you spin the bottle. The cork opener is just dead simple. The motor activates automatically as you lower the device on to the bottle. The cork is then removed mechanically and once it is out, the motor reverses direction and spits out the cork. It's absolutely brilliant." — Steve Get it from Amazon for $39.97+ (available in five colors). 11. And a set of "wine wands" that help remove the sulfates and histamines in your go-to brand of merlot, pinot grigio, or even sparkling wines. It's meant to help aerate and enhance the flavor (yes, even the super cheap bottles), while also potentially alleviating side effects like headaches, skin flush, and upset stomach. Amazon Just pop one in, stir, and let soak for three minutes before drinking. Read more about sulfite allergies and wine at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review:"What a difference these have made in my life. With my allergies, it was impossible to enjoy a glass or two of wine without nasty side effects: stuffy nose, red face, and headaches. Now, I can have a glass of wine and not have to dart to a package of antihistamines! Makes a great gift. Even thinking of splitting a box into stocking stuffers. Each wand is individually wrapped. Have purchased these several times and will continue to do so." — KellyH PureWine is a small business that specializes in wine accessories. Get a set of three from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in sets of eight, 24, 48, and 72). 12. A retinol body lotion, because the magic of retinol is not just for your face! This retinol in the creamy formula helps promote skin cell turnover, while the ferulic acid firms skin for a tighter appearance. Reviewers also note that this works wonders on rough, bumpy skin on their upper arms and legs after consistent use. Promising review:"I could kick myself for not trying this sooner! It is my new favorite lotion... After one night of using this, I woke up to smooth, soft moisturized skin that wasn't itchy at all. This lotion goes on and absorbs beautifully. It's not too thin or thick, and the scent is sensational... It's not greasy or slick and does not have a residue that pills or transfers." — TickTokAlice Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in two-pack). 13. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel that's basically like a latte for your face. It uses the power of yerba mate to soothe the delicate skin under your eyes, and also contains three forms of hyaluronic acid to moisturize. I did not know there were several types of hyaluronic acid, but I would now like to collect all of them like Pokémon. Promising reviews:"I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don't have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly love all the Good Molecules products." — Hayden Smith "Saw this on TikTok and decided to give it a try since the price was amazing. OMG, buy it. I've always had dark circles under my eyes and now fine lines and crow's-feet. While this doesn't completely eliminate my dark circles, the fine lines are really diminished. It wears extremely well under makeup and doesn't feel cakey or like there's a ton of product on." — K. Grant Get it from Amazon for $5.98. 14. Anti-slip glasses holders you can place on the back of your glasses temples so they'll stop sliding down the bridge of your nose. As a glasses wearer with a very oily nose, I am proud of myself every single day for buying these. Amazon Promising review:"I love this product. I had grown weary with my glasses sliding off my face. It's like I had to choose between them being tight and causing headaches and pain behind my ears or being comfortable but not functional. I decided to look for a solution. This was a fair price and different options (color-wise) so I ordered it. They are very comfortable. I can inspect under my bus without my glasses sliding off my face and don't have to hold them on anymore. They work perfectly. My glasses do not move at all." — Danyelle Brazell Get a set of three pairs from Amazon for $9.99 (available in black or a multicolor pack). 15. A duffel bag that's roomy enough to fit all the essentials for a weekend trip — you'll be so glad you don't have to lug a heavy suitcase around on any trips you take this year. The interior contains three pockets for organization and a bonus wet pocket to keep dirty laundry or soaked toiletries separate from your other clothes. It's water-resistant and has an adjustable long strap. Promising review: "I recently went camping and was able to pack a lot into this bag. It zipped up easily. I love the color; it's almost a 'neutral pink' and not too 'look at me, I'm Barbie in the woods!' The shoulder strap was comfortable, and the handles were comfortable, too. It was snowing while unloading from the truck to the cabin, and despite this bag getting wet (and VERY cold), everything inside was very dry." — Smile Saurus Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in a variety of colors/styles and two sizes). 16. A dryer vent cleaning system designed to provide professional-level results without the pro-level price tag. It connects to a power drill and comes with brush heads that can reach up to 12 feet so all of the built-up dirt in your vent (which is a fire hazard, btw!) can be easily brushed away. The kit includes four flexible screw-connect rods, one blockage removal tool, one self-feeding auger brush, and one lint trap brush. It also includes two adapters that allow you to connect it to your dryer or vacuum to help suction the loosened dirt while you clean. Promising review:"This thing worked AMAZINGLY. I got a TON of lint out of my vent piping. My dryer works better now and runs cooler, and drying time has been reduced. I was amazed at how much lint build-up there was!" — Allen L Grooms Get it from Amazon for $29.99. 17. A protective spray that creates an invisible coating on surfaces to prevent fingerprints, stains, smudges, soap scum, and more — so it's a must for all my fellow spill-prone people. It's safe for use on almost any hard surface, including granite counters, stainless steel, marble, porcelain, and glass — and the coating lasts for up to 12 months! To use: Clean surface beforehand, then spray on surface, buff in with the included microfiber towel and wipe away any residue, then let cure for two hours before using the surface (though it's best to wait up to four hours before getting the surface wet). Btw, since it leaves a slick coating, you should not use it on floors. Promising review:"After having to wipe off fingerprints and smudges on my refrigerator every time I opened it and using every product imaginable, I had little hope in another one. Much to my delight, this was a winner! I applied it two weeks ago and I can honestly say there are no fingerprints whatsoever. It is worth the price for how little I will probably have to use it. My fridge looks brand new. Five stars for me." — deb25 Lifeproof is a small business specializing in home cleaning products. Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (also available in a two-pack). 18. O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream, which will basically give you brand-new hands. Its blend of beeswax and glycerin will get your skin back to normal if the brutal winter air is wreaking havoc on your hands. For best results, you should apply the cream after washing your hands, after showering, and at bedtime. Promising review:"In addition to lifting at the gym, I wash my hands judiciously and frequently between patient care for over 10 years. My hands have gotten more dry as the winters go. Started using it last year. The jar is easy to carry on my way to work, and I apply it during any downtime I have and on my way home. The cream goes on smooth, is not excessively oily, and absorbs and dries pretty fast that it doesn't hinder much busywork." — Perry Get it from Amazon for $8.88+ (available in two sizes and packs of two or 12). 19. And a jar of the ever-popular O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet foot cream that's impressed thousands of Amazon reviewers. The thick cream not only hydrates but also forms a protective barrier to keep your feet looking their best over time. Don't be shocked if they basically transform right in front of your eyes. Promising review: "I have battled problems with my feet for over 25 years. Due to my obsessive running, I had infections and cracked feet that were painful. I have spent thousands of dollars with doctors trying to heal my feet. After the doctors did all they could do, my feet were better, but I could not completely eliminate the dryness and cracking. I have tried dozens of creams, pedicures, rasping, wrapping, and on and on. After one month with this cream, my feet look normal. Because of my schedule, I put the cream on after my morning shower and then put my socks on for the day. After 25 years, I have normal feet! I wanted to share this information with others like me who have struggled with their feet like I have. Give it a try!" — E. H. Jones Get it from Amazon for $9.67+ (available in two colors and also available in packs of two and 12). 20. And!!! — its blend of beeswax, shea butter, and almond oil works while you sleep to soften crusty, dead skin and add a nice dose of hydration. Prepare to get rid of your car, bedroom, bathroom, and purse lip balms; this one is all you need. Promising review: "When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It's painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips. I've used other O'Keeffe's products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily. My lips stayed healthy and didn't get chapped at all. This stuff is magic, and I won't go anywhere without it now." — Anna C. Adams Get it from Amazon for $8.46 (also available in a pack of two). 21. A Makeup Eraser that simply uses warm water to wipe away makeup, so you can stop wasting money on those flimsy disposable wipes. Just wet, get to scrubbing with the fluffy side to remove makeup, then turn to the other side to get some light exfoliation. Then just toss it in the wash and use it again! Amazon, Promising review:"I am amazed by this product. I would even say that this is life-altering! I have not had to buy makeup remover in three months, and I don't believe I will ever have to again! When I used makeup remover, I felt like I could never get all of my makeup off, and I had to rub my eyes quite a bit to get it off. Even after a lot of rubbing when using makeup remover, I still would wake up the next morning with makeup residue from the previous day, and I never felt I could completely get my makeup off. With Makeup Eraser, there is not one bit of makeup left!! It is like magic!! Make sure you follow directions; you have to use warm water and use the correct side!" — Sprklbuz Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in 16 colors). Check out BuzzFeed's review of the Makeup Eraser for more deets! 22. A genius brush and squeegee combo, so you can just swipe all your countertop messes directly into the sink. It even has a built-in ledge so you can hang it when not in use. Amazon Promising review:"LOVE THIS PRODUCT! Saves me so many paper towels, easily washed in the dishwasher, and the small size saves space! Will always have one of these on hand for sure!" — Prime Time Review Get it from Amazon for $10.63. 23. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo that has 34,000+ reviewers feeling like they're the star of a Pantene commercial. Biotin can help provide a fuller appearance to your strands (hello volume!!!), while rosemary and coconut oil are known to moisturize the scalp (bye, bye itchiness). You'll be ~toss, tossing~ your hair like Glinda in no time 💁♀️. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review:"I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery, and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo, as recommended by my doctor. It doesn't make your hair grow by washing it, but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After using the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on), and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It's longer and thicker than ever." — Diane J. Huff Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients. Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action. Get it from Amazon for $13.95. Psst — reviewers mention this is most effective when paired with a scalp massager to work it into their roots! 24. A leather electronics organizer so you'll have a neat and tidy spot to keep all of your charging cables when not in use. There are nine slots for everything from USB cords to headphones. Your next work trip will be your most organized yet! Promising review:"Absolutely beautiful! The custom lettering came out perfectly, and it can easily hold two battery packs and all the cords we could ever need for traveling with cellphones, iPads, and our Switch. So pleased with the craftsmanship! Wonderful purchase. <3" — Sarah Kavaljian Mr. Crafter is a small biz that specializes in personalized leather travel and tech accessories. Get it from Mr. Crafter on Etsy for $31.84+ (originally $56.86+; available in two sizes, in black or brown, and several engraving options). 25. An internet-beloved pet urine stain–removing spray 83,000+ pet owners swear by — it's powerful enough to tackle the ~surprise~ your dog left behind when you came home way too late that one night. It'll also help neutralize odors, so your carpet will basically be as fresh and vibrant as the day you moved in. Start by saturating the area with a few sprays, let it sit 5-10 minutes, then blot the stain away and air dry. For deep odors, apply the spray to the area, let sit for at least an hour, place a towel and weighted object on top to remove residual liquid, then give it a vacuum once it's dry. Promising review:"This product is great and works well. I have had a long-standing pet urine smell in the 1930s wood floors from a prior occupant. After several applications, the smell is gone. The product has a mild, pleasing smell that dissipates over time, which I really appreciate, given my sensitivity to smells. Highly recommended." — Roberto Get it from Amazon for $19.31+ (available in two sizes and two scents). 26. A pack of Avarelle Acne Cover Patches you can quickly plop on any pimple that pops up throughout the year. Just let the blend of tea tree and calendula oils help shrink your zit in just a few hours. These are made of a wound-healing gel called hydrocolloid that can drain fluids from any open pimples and cover any that are already on the surface. Promising review:"I love this product! Whenever I have a pimple that is ready to burst (whitehead), I put one of these stickers on for a day, and BOOM, it flattens and sucks up all that yucky junk. It feels really comfortable and can be barely noticeable if you have a small pimple that needs to be removed. There were times when I wore these out to school. Great product!" — Jenny Get a pack of 40 from Amazon for $8.49 (also available in a pack of 80). 27. A ChomChom pet hair remover roller that's perfect for restoring your couch back to its former glory or making your car's seats look presentable again. Reviewers especially love this one (it's a constant best-seller on Amazon with 139,000 perfect ratings) since it only takes a few rolls back and forth to pick up the toughest pet hair, and the quick-release button makes it a breeze to remove the fur from the roller brush. Promising review:"I was cautiously optimistic, but this tool is as effective as everyone is saying. My couches, and especially my recliner, look brand new. It takes little to no effort to use. Just use it in a 'scrubbing' type motion and it catches and traps the fur (and other small debris, such as crumbs...) in the little compartment. Pop it open, empty it out. Done." — Ian K. Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in four colors). 28. A waterproof car seat cover — now your little pup won't cover the entirety of your backseat in a layer of dirt and mud when they're done getting their zoomies out at the dog park. It also has nonslip backing, adjustable headrest anchors, seat anchors, a trunk cargo liner, and two seatbelt openings to keep your pup in place. Promising review: " Winter, camping, messy item! It's perfect. There's nothing negative at all to say about it. It fits perfectly in my backseat. The material is waterproof and extremely easy to wipe mud off with a damp cloth for easy cleaning. My dog usually doesn't like the feel of these things or the sound they make when he walks on them, but this one he doesn't seem to even laid on it! What? I would recommend this cover to ANYONE with a dog." — alexander Get it from Amazon for $19.14+ (available in two sizes and four colors). 29. A set of washable liners that'll catch the lasagna that's bubbling over before it has a chance to reach the bottom and basically become a permanent part of your oven forever. Now, you can just take this out and give it a quick rinsing instead of endlessly scrubbing. Promising review:"I ordered these on a whim, after cleaning my self-cleaning oven and seeing how some things just won't come off the interior enamel. They fit perfectly, have no discernible odor, and wash easily. I recently had the ultimate beans that boiled over. After the oven cooled, I pulled the liner out, stuck it in the sink, and all of the dried stuff came off without scrubbing!" — Vicky Get a pack of three from Amazon for $16.99. 30. A pomade hair wax stick — it'll be a major timesaver on those days when you want to smooth down flyaways, cowlicks, or set baby hairs into place. Just swipe it over any targeted areas you want to smooth, and it'll provide some seriously strong hold without any sticky residue. You'll wish you had this back in the day when getting ready for school, but now your hair will finally hold up in windy weather! Promising reviews:"I saw this on YouTube and immediately wanted to try it. I have curly hair, which I love, but sometimes I just want to put it in a ponytail and go on with my day. This is a time saver for all those little hairs that tend to stick up or don't want to stay in place. I'm not a fan of hairspray, and this even smells nice. I believe it's a light coconut smell. Overall satisfied, and you don't need to use it much. I took it with me on vacation, and it saved me time in the evening from having to deal with bad hair days." — Blanca Perez "I have 4A-4B curls. When my hair is straight, there are a few spots that are a little frizzier than others, which, to me, isn't a big deal. Some flyaways, however, were the biggest reason why I got this. It lays the baby hairs and is a little bit of a heavier product. I will say, you just have to be careful if you're not used to using heavy product. The first time I used it, I just put a little in my hands and then put it where it was needed." — Jay Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in multipacks). 31. A glasses lens cleaner so you finally say goodbye to those microfiber cloths and disposable wipes that just seem to smear the dirt and oil all over your lenses. This little tool has a small brush on one side to wipe away dirt and dust, while the microfiber pads on the other side will wipe away oils for a streak-free finish without scratching your lenses. It even comes with a case so you can keep it clean when not in use. Amazon Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and wanted to get it. I wear glasses every day and often don't realize how dirty they are until I see a reflection through them. I've used cloths before, but they get weirdly oily and then leave smear marks. This does not. I love it so much, and I don't lose it in my purse." — Clair F Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 17 colors and packs of two and three). 32. A bottle of earwax removal drops that use fizzy microfoam action to break down all the stubborn wax that was clogging up your ears for all of 2024. Just apply five to 10 drops to your ear, keep your head tilted for several minutes to let the carbamide peroxide loosen your hardened ear wax, then flush away any remaining wax with warm water in a bulb or syringe. However, It's always a good idea to chat with your ENT before using any ear-cleaning products! Promising review:"One of my ears was blocked by excess ear wax, which caused hearing issues. These drops helped me to soften and loosen the ear wax, allowing it to easily drain." — Skh Get it from Amazon for $6.48 (also available in a pack of two). 33. A two-pack of reusable mop pads because it's time to say goodbye to the wasteful disposable ones you've been spending way too much money on. These even have helpful Velcro straps so the pad starts levitating away from the mop head as soon as you start scrubbing. They're compatible with both the original Swiffer and the Swiffer Wet Jet! Promising review:"The Velcro closure alone is worth the purchase. It was really easy to put on (no more pinched fingers) and the hold is very strong. No more having to handle the dirty, drippy sheets to try to reattach them in the middle of cleaning the floor. I noticed that my floors are cleaner because the microfiber absorbs more and doesn't just push the grime around the floor. Also, these can be washed in the washing machine for the next use." — Rosemary P. Get a pack of two from Amazon for $11.46. 34. A scalp massager that's upgraded the haircare routines of more than 115,000 reviewers. The soft yet stimulating silicone bristles are designed to invigorate your scalp, which can help remove dandruff and increase blood flow. You can use it on wet or dry hair (it's also perfect for lathering up your shampoo!), so you can basically treat yourself to an oh-so-relaxing scalp massage any time you'd like. Promising review:"I always wore my hair up for YEARS. Because it gets so thin and flat almost as soon as I got out of the shower. I also never had time to do much with it. Even even I did, nothing worked. I bought this thing — AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! I no longer have dandruff, no longer an itchy scalp, my hair stays fluffy all day — this thing is a freakin' miracle worker. I kid you not. my friends and hair stylist asked me what I was doing differently. I still don't think they believe me!" — Kaitlyn A Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 27 colors). Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.
